By The Food Tease on November 29, 2023
Journey Through the Clouds, a very apropos route description from one of the world’s leading luxury rail experiences, The Rocky Mountaineer. As I embarked on this incredible voyage through the Canadian Rockies in Western Canada, I realized just how fortunate we were as Canadians to be blessed with picture-perfect landscapes of stunning peaks and remote vistas. The scenes were mesmerizing to say the least.
Rocky Mountaineer has left no detail to chance where luxury is concerned. The Gold Leaf Service is synonymous with indulgence upon indulgence. From the most incredible panoramic views on the upper level to the exquisite culinary offerings in the lower-level dining room, the bi-level glass-domed carriage is, without a doubt, a treat for your senses.
Settled comfortably in my spacious plush heated reclining seat, I sat back and soaked in the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies. For the social butterflies, each seat also rotates 180 degrees so you can easily interact with those around you. And, if that wasn’t enough, as a Gold Leaf member, I also had access to the exclusive outdoor viewing platform – an ideal vantage point for any photographer or nature enthusiast. The fact that you can step outside, breathe in the crisp clean air and get a little closer to the awe-inspiring wilderness is something only the Rocky Mountaineer can provide!
Walking down the spiral staircase to the dining room below just added to the excitement of what was to come next on this memorable journey. The elegant linen, the warm hospitality, and most importantly, the delicious gourmet meals prepared by the executive chef made me feel as though I was in a posh restaurant! Actually, the moment you step onto this luxury train, you are served with pre-breakfast treats which is a foreshadowing of the delectable dishes you will be savouring onboard. For someone who loves her fine dining moments, the Gold Leaf Service is delivered on all fronts.
Enjoying cuisines of all varieties, I was very impressed to know that the chef prepared regionally-based dishes using locally sourced ingredients. This means that during my three-course lunches, I was very privileged to devour copious amounts of salmon (prepared in every possible way) and prized AAA-grade beef. Now, no dining experience would be complete without some libations or two, and believe me when I say, there was no shortage of local wines and beers, as well as high-end spirits to enjoy. And if that wasn’t enough, afternoon snacks, including right-from-the-oven cookies, were always welcomed by yours truly!
My journey had me travelling through scenic valleys, leaving the rainforest-like conditions of Vancouver to the desert-like environment of Kamloops, to being surrounded by majestic mountains, as we made our way to Jasper.
Seeing renowned and very much sought-after sights, we travelled along the impressive Fraser River, through Hell’s Gate (a 100-foot wide narrow rock canyon), and past the magnificent Pyramid Creek Falls. With a vantage point only accessible by rail, I had the pleasure of viewing the falls cascading 300 feet next to the train tracks. Definitely a highlight of the trip! Yet, that wasn’t the piece de resistance that was in store for me. As the train slowed down (for optimal viewing of wildlife sightings and other scenic attractions, the train will slow down), I quickly went to the outdoor viewing area to capture the beauty of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Not being completely versed with all the landmarks that I saw, it was an added bonus to have the train hosts, the exceptional staff members on the train who are there with you from the start of your trip, provide interesting and humorous historical facts. With their practiced touch, the hosts make their guests feel like a VIP by enhancing their experience with subtle preferential details and services.
In order to maximize the overall experience, guests can also curate their vacation package to add bucket-list adventures, such as discovering Jasper National Park, visiting the Columbia Icefield, and seeing firsthand the incredible views from Lake Louise and Lake Moraine. Sights and memories that will stay with me always!
Having partnered with premium hotels at each destination, The Rocky Mountaineer provided me with the pleasure of staying at some incredible high-end properties. All part of my unforgettable Gold Leaf Service package! And, the rail service stays true to their slogan, “With Rocky Mountaineer, you get the best of both worlds: maximum views, and maximum comfort”.
Providing its guests with unforgettable memories, one can easily see why The Rocky Mountaineer, with its breathtaking views and exemplary culinary offerings, is deemed one of the most iconic travel experiences on the planet. Unforgettable memories that have left me yearning to experience the different routes that this luxury service has to offer…one track at a time.
Yesterday afternoon, I had the privilege of attending the "buffets des chefs," a delicious gathering at the French Embassy @franceaucanada in partnership with the Disciples d’Escoffier Canada. @disciples_escoffier_canada 🇨🇵🇨🇦
This tasty celebration included Disciples d’Escoffiers, chefs from @lecordonbleuottawa and @maisonoddo 👨🍳👩🏼🍳
The culinary event also included @veroniquerivest renown sommelier and owner of @soifbaravin being awarded as Knight in The Order of Agricultural Merit
(Ordre du Mérite agricole) for her constant promotion of oenology and French wines and terroirs. It is an order of merit bestowed by the French Republic for outstanding contributions to agriculture and food/gastronomy. Bravo!! 🍷🍷👏 👏
Another special moment included the induction of Ambassador Michel Miraillet as a new Disciple. When a new Disciple is inducted, he then undertakes to respect the Escoffier Spirit by taking this oath: "I vow to pass, serve and honor the cuisine, its culture and its continuing evolution".🎖🎖
Guests were spoiled with an endless assortment of French appetizers and delectable sweets, all with whom were created by talented chefs who are driven by passion. 😍👩🏼🍳👨🍳
Bravo to you all!!👏👏
#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodphotography #foodporn #escoffier #disciplesescoffier #knighted #culinary #induction #frenchcuisine #frenchfood #culinaryevent #buffets #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodtease #celebration #ifwtwa1 #tmac
Jun 28
Those who know me know I`m weak for tasty popcorn and @fromfarmtotablecanada
spoiled me with theirs!! 🍿 😋
Proudly Ontario-made and woman-owned, From Farm to Table Canada has debuted their limited-edition CNE Kettle Corn in collaboration with the Canadian National Exhibition @letsgototheex for the 2024 season.Their beautiful package illustrations captures the fun that we have, when at the CNE 🎢.
It`s the perfect blend of sweet and salty - my favourite!! 😍
They are available in two sizes: Family Bag and Grab & Go. Sold online as well as in retail chains and many independent stores.
This must-have snack for the summer is available until Labour Day.
Get yours today and enjoy!!🍿🍿
Jun 27
A couple of evenings ago, I had the pleasure and honour of being invited by my alma mater, @lecordonbleuottawa to witness Chef @antonyannick70 be awarded France`s L`Ordre du mérite agricole, the highest civilian honour from the embassy @franceaucanada 😃
This distinction recognizes the contributions of Chef Yannick to promote French culture in Canada and Ottawa specifically - through his work as a chef and instructor at Le Cordon Bleu Institute in Ottawa.
Special moments of the evening included Ambassador of France to Canada, Michel Miraillet sharing with guests the numerous accomplishments that Chef Yannick Anton has accomplished over the years. Simply remarkable!!👏👏
A very touching and inspiring moment came when Chef Yannick Anton gave praise and gratitude to his mentors, who helped him attain his dream in the culinary industry. He also reminded the graduating class of chefs to always have a vision and to never let it go.👨🍳👩🏼🍳😍
And it wouldn`t be a celebration without some tasty treats that exude French flare! They even had chocolate graduation hats - very cute and apropo 🎓🎓
Bravo Chef!!😊
Jun 22
Muy Caliente!!🔥🔥🌞🌞
With the insanely hot weather, nothing is more refreshing than this tasty Brazilian lemonade with some @bacardi Gold
Rum for the win!!🤩😋
And let me tell you, a pitcher was made...as it`s THAT delicious!!
At this rate, I will finally start to enjoy the summer heat...providing I have my `special` lemonade!😉
Cheers!
#foodblogger #travelblogger #cocktails #cocktailporn #brazilianlemonade #braziliandrink #summerdrinks #bacardi #rum #summerheat #summerheatwave #lemonadeforadults #thefoodteasedrinks #ifwtwa1 #tmac #enjoylife #enjoythemoment
Jun 17
I had the pleasure this week to dine at @raphaelperuviancuisine AND what an experience!! 😋
Fresh exotic ingredients combined with warm hospitality made for a great evening out.🔥🔥
The Mahi Mahi`s flavours and interesting crunch texture by the chulpe (Peruvian dried corn kernels) was my favourite!!😍
The causa de pulpo 🐙 and the anticuchos 🥩 were also just as tasty.
And to wash it all down, I tried the Ica cocktail with its flaming sugar cube - strong but equally addictive 😉
Looking forward to tasting more of their dishes! 😋
#foodblogger #travelblogger
#foodphotography #foodporn #peruvian #peruvianfood #peruviancuisine #supportlocal #localrestaurant #mahimahi #peruviancorn #newexperiences #diningout #thefoodtease #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac
Jun 2
After a long day, a rich and tasty avocado, egg and bacon salad was the way to go!!🥑🥚🥓😍😋
And the pièce de résistance, triple-cream Brie with @artisinbakery baguette - the perfect match for such a meal.
At this rate, indulgence should be my nickname 😉
#foodblogger #foodporn #travelblogger #foodphotography #indulgence #longday #avocado #triplecream #baguette #frenchcuisine #enjoylife #luxelife #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodtease #ifwtwa1 #fwt #tmac
May 16
Always a student and always learning😃
It helps when an interesting destination is discussed and tasty dishes are shared!✈️🍽
Big thanks to @phillydiscover for informing me on the unique attractions that Philadelphia has to offer and to @playfoodwine for their exceptional hospitality!😋
A delicious fish cake followed by the braised beef cheek and ramp gnocchi hit all the right notes. However, I couldn`t help myself from indulging on their grilled Sourdough Bread With Caramelized Butter...Ridiculously ADDICTIVE 🔥 😋😍
Looking forward to discovering new regions! 😊
#travelblogger #foodblogger #discovering #discoverphiladelphia #philadelphia #philadelphialove #play #playrestaurant #supportlocal #travelmediaca #tmac #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasedrinks
Apr 20
A recipe for tasty success - this is what A Taste for Life Ottawa is all about.
Last evening, generous restaurants like @faunaottawa opened their doors to patrons who dined and donated to support people living with HIV in our communities.
What more could you ask for?! Stellar dishes while supporting a great cause!!☺️
Fresh meaty Malpeque oysters 🦪🦪 and tasty tempura mushrooms 🍄 as appetizers to a mouth-watering meat fest. Say hello to a 80 day dry aged ribeye for 2 and the tastiest duck breast I`ve ever had!!😲😋😋😍
Because those dishes weren`t indulgent enough, a basque style cheesecake had to be tasted!!😂😋
A great cause and annual tradition that I`m proud to support and be a part of! ❤️
#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodporn #tasteforlife #greatcause #hivcharity #fauna #support #supportlocal #ottawarestaurants #supportlocal #donation #aidscharity #aidsawareness #hiv #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac #travelmediaca
Apr 19
Learning about new destinations and different cultures is always a blast! 😃
Several evenings ago, I had the pleasure of being invited to the Embassy of the Czech Republic😍
Learning about their culture, their unique travel experiences, and surprisingly, how inexpensive this country is, when compared to other European destinations, is always good💰💰
To start the Czech Tourism event, guests had the pleasure to hear from Czech Republic Ambassador of Canada, Martin Tlapa.
Tasty libations and Czech dishes were enjoyed by the guests. Even though I enjoy my 🍾 bubbles, I enjoyed tasting Czech`s prized beer 😉🍻
On the bucket list to discover✈️✈️
#foodblogger #travelblogger #tourism #czech #czechrepublic #czechbeer #czechembassy #passportready #destination #solotravel #solotraveler #luxurytravel #thefoodteasedrinks #bucketlist #ifwtwa1 #travelmediaca
Apr 7
Sophistication, opulent decor, and beautiful luxury desserts - this is @delyseesottawa 🍰🍮
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Read The Food Tease column in the Spring/Summer issue of @luxeottawamagazine on how Delysees`s Creative Director, Fred Naggar, successfully left awe-inspiring footprints in the fashion world to embark on a new adventure with his wife - the world of high-end desserts.😋🍰😍
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Sweets for the sweets... Enjoy!
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#foodblogger #foodporn #travelblogger #dessert #dessertsofinstagram #luxury #luxurydesserts #delysees #creativedirector #parisienne #frenchsweets #frenchdesserts #published #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #travelmediaca #tmac
Apr 5
Happy Easter, everyone!!🐣 🐰
Enjoying my family`s Easter tradition of our colourful egg fight...I didn`t win, but there`s always next year 😉
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodporn #easter #eastereggs #easterdecor #familytradition #annualtradition #europeanstyle #potofgold #familytime #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasetravel
Mar 31
Play golf⛳️?
Planning a wedding💍?
Enjoy live jazz 🎷🎹?
And let`s not forget, enjoy spa services💆🏼♀️and tasty dishes?😋
Then the @brookstreetott is worth experiencing!🤩
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Whether it be for business and/or for pleasure, the @brookstreetott has you covered.
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During my recent stay, I was informed that all guests` rooms will be renovated in the next couple of months. By September 2024, the renovation project will be completed. 🤩🤩
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Now lets talk about the tssty dishes: veal ribeye, Beef carpaccio, tuna sushi and a tasty breakfast of poached eggs Benedict poutine...and let`s not ignore my tasty libation...an extra dirty martinis with extra olives!!🍸🍸😋😋
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Weekend getaways are perfect for some R&R!!😊
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodporn #foodpornshare #hotel #getaway #indulge #brookstreet #brookstreethotel #weekendvibes #jazzlounge #hotelexperience #beingatourist #supportlocal #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteasetravel #travelmediaca #tmac #ifwtwa1
Mar 27
I had the pleasure of experiencing @kathaottawa with their exclusive 8 course tasting menu of progressive Indian cuisine. What a treat!😍😋
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Kathā means story in Sanskrit, and with each course, a story about the dish was shared with the guests. This interactive approach provided a cultural and personal background for each dish.
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Everything from the scallop ceviche, the cod with chili and coriander oil to the delicious lamb chop and duck - all made for a unique cultural dining experience. 😋😋
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Props to Chef/Owner Sarath Teegavarapu and his talented brigade on this creative endeavor!!
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#foodblogger #travelbloggers #foodpornshare #foodphotography #blindtasting #indiancuisine #katha #progressiveindiancuisine #ottawaeats #ottawarestaurants #supportlocalbusiness #supportlocal #newexperience #ifwtwa1 #tmactravel #tmac #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasedrinks
Mar 5
Calling all sweet tooth lovers📣📣
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@delyseesottawa = Decadent sweet indulgences with a luxurious vibe!!✨️✨️🍰🍮
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Parisienne inspired desserts ✅️
Luxury vibe ✅️
Stunning tasty sweets ✅️
When all boxes are checked, a visit to @delyseesottawa at Lansdowne & @delyseestoronto is needed.🍰🍮🍾🥂
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Chic ambiance and tasty desserts make for a sweet indulgent experience!! 😋
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The tasty best sellers at Delysees are the following:
Hugo: Sicilian pistachio mousse
Frasier: fresh strawberries and cream🍓
Le Verdi: passion fruit cheesecake
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Go and get your sweet tooth fix and ENJOY😊
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodpornshare #foodphotography #dessertlife #desserts #dessertsofinstagram #delysees #supportlocalbusiness #ottawaeats #ottawatourism #dessertporn #luxurydesserts #frenchdessert #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #fwt #tmac
Feb 9
Friday night, I had the privilege of attending the 2024 Canadian Culinary Championships - Mystery Wine Challenge - People`s Choice Award🥇🥇@greatkitchenparty
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Congratulations to all the chefs involved in this intense competition. The chefs needed to create a dish to pair with the mystery wine. Each chef was given a tricky budget of $550 for the 250 guests. I was witnessing creativity at its best!!😋
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The winning dish🥇 (centered in the middle of the photo) was created by JP Dublado: Red Deer Resort and Casino, Red Deer AB
Dish: beet & soy cured albacore tuna - ponzu gel - tomato water - puffed wild rice - beet green oil
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Amazing talent from all the chefs as they paired with the mystery wine (a 2021 Lailey Vineyard Zweigelt)🍷🍷
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#foodblogger ##foodgram #foodcompetition #travelblogger #CCC2024 #greatkitchenparty #peopleschoice #peopleschoiceawards #underpressure #foodandwine #underbudget #onbudget #culinarycompetition #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac
Feb 5
A classic is always a classic!🤩
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@alssteakhouse has been serving food lovers steak, seafood, and tantalizing martinis since 1967!!! Just incredible! 🥩🍤🍸
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As an appetizer, I must say their calamari was outstanding, and believe it or not, their portion was unlike any other eatery - there was so much!! 😮
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And now, for the main attraction - their 14oz Rib-eye steak. The flavour of this steak was a melt-in-your-mouth gift! I couldn`t stop eating it. I forgot how delicious their steaks are. With their sides and salad with their signature garlic dressing, it was a real feast, to say the least.😋
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I`m already looking forward to my next visit...like I said, when a classic is this tasty, any excuse to visit is a good one‼️
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#foodblogger #foodlovers #foodgram #travelbloggers #alssteakhouse #steakhouse #steak #oldschool #oldschoolclassic #finedining #supportlocalbusiness #ottawaeats #ottawarestaurants #ribeyesteak🥩 #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasedrinks #ifwtwa1 #tmac #foodie #wantmore
Jan 28
Planning for your BIG wedding day💍 and looking for something different than the traditional bachelorette party? 🎉🎉
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Then you need to read my solo Montreal getaway article featured in the latest issue of @ottawawedding magazine.
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Special thanks to @montreal for the beautiful experiences.
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Amongst the amazing activities:
● High Tea at the Ritz-Carlton 🍾🥂
● Pampering at the Scandinave Spa 💆🏼♀️and at Le Germain Hotel
● Visiting the beautiful light show at the Botanical Gardens ⚘️✨️
● Culinary experiences at the Foxy restaurant and discovering local restaurants during a food tour😋😋
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Solo getaway or with a friend or two, any reason to visit and experience Montréal is a good one!! 😍🤗
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With its countless cultural activities and experiences, one can easily enjoy this beautiful city! And let`s not forget their food scene... that alone is reason enough to visit!!😍😋
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I think it`s time for you to discover, and for some, REDISCOVER Montreal! 🤩🤩
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#travelblogger #foodblogger #travelgram
#mtlmoments #mtl #mtlfoodies #published #presstrip #passportready
#alwaysexploring #travellikealocal #localbusiness #ifwtwa1 #tmactravel #thefoodteasetravel #exploremontreal #touristattractions #solo #solotravel
Jan 23
Explore and savour! 😋
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Exploring different regions of the beautiful island of Antigua🏝🏝🐚🐚
Breathtaking panoramic views from Shirley Heights, a restored military lookout, and gun battery was such a visual treat!😍
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Afterward, a tasty seafood lunch at the Mainbrace restaurant, located at the @copperandlumberstorehotelanu was needed. We are talking about delicious conch fritters, spicy shrimp and avocado sushi stack, and Mahi Mahi trio seafood salad - YUMMY!! 😋😋
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And if that wasn`t enough, the view of the mind-blowing luxury yachts in front of us as we dined was simply perfect!🛳🛥🤩
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These activities made for a great island day!🏝😊
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#foodblogger #foodpornshare #travelgram #travelbloggers #antigua #antiguabarbuda #loveantiguabarbuda #islandlife #exploring #shirleyheights #seafoodlover #conch #yacht #yachtlife #vacationdestination #vacaymode #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasetravel
Dec 30
The Devil made me do it! 👹😉
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Antigua’s rich history and spectacular topography provide a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities.
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One of those stunning sightseeing opportunities is the Devil`s Bridge. The sight and sounds of this natural wonder are something else. 👹🌊
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Natural blowholes around the arch shoot up water and spray, caused by the Atlantic Ocean waves. Simply beautiful and capitavating and yet dangerous if too close to the blowholes.😲😍
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#foodblogger #travelbloggers
#antiguaandbarbuda
#loveantiguabarbuda #passportready
#naturalwonders #devilsbridge #antigua #naturalphenomenon #ocean #sightseeing #mustsee #mothernature #touristattraction #thefoodteasetravel #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1 #blowhole #adrenaline
Dec 24
To discover any new destination, I need to explore and experience their local dishes and eateries. 😋😋
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Big thanks to @eat_n_lime_food_tours and to the @antiguaandbarbuda tourism board for providing me such a tasty treat!!🤗
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Eat N Lime`s motto resonates with me so much...`We are hanging out and chilling, enjoying eachothers company with good food` - This is my happy place!😍😋
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The delicious food tour started in Saint John, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda, at the Heritage Quay Complex, where one can easily see all the cruise ships coming in and offloading their passengers.
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I had the pleasure of tasting these local treats during the food tour:
1) Island Bhive: shrimp fritters with garlic sauce - so delicious 😋 🦐
2) Quin Farara Liquor Store: Rum tasting and learning how to make an Antiguan Old Fashioned cocktail with their 5-year-old English Harbour Rum.🍹
3) Roti King: a very generous roti that was packed with flavour: chickpea bread, potatoes, chicken, Indian curry, turmeric, and ginger.
4) Brownies Bakery: well-known for its unique bread offerings. Fun fact: it`s also a well-known hangover dish.🍞😉Tracey Ann, our informative and engaging Eat n Lime Food Tours guide, showed us Brownies Bakery`s famous bread - cinnamon butter and cheese.
5) Patti Delight: Jamaican patties with a twist. Jamaican beef patty with bacon, cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce. More please!!😋😋
6) To wash down all this delicious food, we stopped at One Stone Ital Shack - a Jamaican rasta shop known for their fresh fruit juices. Passion fruit for the win!! Tasted amazing and truth be told, I mixed my leftover juice with some local Rum as my afternoon cocktail.🍹😉
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I highly recommend taking part in food tours when discovering new destinations as you not only learn about the culture but also learn how food plays an integral role in the history of the specific region. Eat N Lime`s food tour was exceptional - great memories from this excursion. 😍🤗
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#foodblogger #foodlovers #foodphotography #foodtourism #foodtour #travelbloggers
#loveantiguabarbuda #eatnlime
#antiguabarbuda #antigua #tmactravel #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasetravel #alwaysexploring
Dec 23
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